Helena Frye
Oklahoma has a rich basketball history, with the sport thriving at both high school and college levels. The state's women's basketball teams have been particularly successful, with the Southern Nazarene women's team winning six NAIA national championships from 1989 to 2003. Oklahoma high schools have also produced talented women's basketball players, with Bertha Teague winning eight state championships as a coach. At the college level, the University of Oklahoma (OU) men's basketball team has appeared in the NCAA tournament 33 times and reached the Final Four five times, while the women's team has won the NCAA conference 13 times and advanced to the Final Four three times under the leadership of coach Sherri Coale. Despite their many appearances, neither the men's nor the women's team at OU has won a national championship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of NCAA tournament appearances | 34 |
| Combined record of NCAA tournament appearances | 42-33 |
| Number of Final Four appearances | 5 |
| Number of National Title Game appearances | 1 |
| Number of Big 8 regular season titles | 5 |
| Number of Conference tournament titles | 2 |
| Number of consecutive 20-win seasons | 9 |
| Average number of wins per season | 24.4 |
| Number of appearances in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) | 8 |
| Combined record of NIT appearances | 11-8 |
| Number of conference championships | 21 |
| Number of Final Four appearances under Sherri Coale | 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball
The Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team has had a rich history in the sport, with several notable achievements. The team has appeared in the NCAA tournament 34 times, with a combined record of 42-33. They have reached the Final Four of the tournament on five occasions, which is the second-most appearances without winning the national championship.
The Sooners have had their fair share of success in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) as well, with eight appearances and a combined record of 11-8. While they have never won the national championship in basketball, they came close in 2002 with a Final Four appearance under the guidance of coach Sampson. Sampson, in his first year at OU, was named national coach of the year in 1995. He led the Sooners to nine consecutive 20-win seasons and directed them to postseason tournament berths in each of his 12 seasons, including 11 NCAA tournaments.
Another notable coach in the Sooners' history is Tubbs, who had a record of 333-132 overall and led the team to 10 NCAA tournament appearances, one Final Four appearance, and one National Title Game appearance. During his tenure, the Sooners won 5 Big 8 regular season titles and 2 Conference tournament titles.
Overall, the Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team has a proud history, with a strong presence in the NCAA and NIT tournaments. While they have yet to win the national championship, they continue to be a competitive force in college basketball.
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OU women's basketball
The Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team has seen some success over the years, but they have not won a national championship. The Sooners have a rich history in various sports, with 29 team national championships across different disciplines. However, basketball is not one of them.
Despite this, the Sooners women's basketball team has had its fair share of notable moments and talented players. In terms of individual players, Skylar Vann, a forward, averaged 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, while Liz Scott, a center, contributed 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. These two players, along with three other seniors, graduated from the team ahead of the 2025-26 season, leaving room for fresh recruits and talented freshmen to step up and make their mark.
The team's head coach, Jennie Baranczyk, has expressed a strong commitment to recruiting and upgrading the roster through the transfer portal. Baranczyk's program has been characterised by stability, and she has a talented support staff working alongside her. The Sooners women's basketball team has also benefited from increased exposure due to their affiliation with the SEC, which has generated more interest in the program.
Looking at the team's historical performance, the Sooners have had some impressive runs in the NCAA tournament, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 1999, a Final Four berth in 2002, and an Elite Eight showing in 2003. The team has also won the Big 12 Tournament title three times under the leadership of former coach Kelvin Sampson, who guided the Sooners to nine consecutive 20-win seasons. Sampson's record at OU showcased his impact on the team's success, with an overall record of 279-109 and 11 NCAA tournament appearances.
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Bertha Teague, women's coach
The University of Oklahoma's women's basketball team has a long and illustrious history, and much of its success can be attributed to the legendary coach, Bertha Teague. Affectionately known as "Mom" Teague, she is considered one of the pioneers of women's basketball, not just in Oklahoma but across the nation.
Teague took the helm of the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team in 1929 and guided the program to unparalleled success over the next three decades. During her remarkable 32-year coaching career, Teague amassed an impressive overall record of 446-111, securing a winning percentage of .800. Her impact on the game extended beyond the court, as she was instrumental in developing and promoting the sport, helping it gain recognition and respect.
Under Teague's leadership, the Sooners women's team claimed numerous achievements, including 13 conference championships. During an era when women's basketball was just beginning to gain prominence, Teague's teams dominated the courts, winning an impressive 11 consecutive conference titles from 1930 to 1940, and then adding two more back-to-back titles in 1942 and 1943. This era of dominance firmly established the Sooners as a force to be reckoned with in women's college basketball.
However, Teague's impact went far beyond her team's success on the court. She was a true visionary who pushed for the advancement of women's sports and the betterment of women's lives. Teague was a driving force behind the formation of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) women's basketball program, serving as its first director. Her efforts helped lay the foundation for the growth and development of women's athletics, ensuring that future generations of female athletes would have more opportunities and recognition.
Bertha Teague's legacy extends far beyond her impressive win record. She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, a testament to her impact on the sport. Her contributions to women's basketball in Oklahoma and across the nation continue to inspire and empower female athletes and coaches, leaving a lasting mark on the game she loved and helped shape.
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Oklahoma high school basketball
Some well-known high school basketball teams in Oklahoma include the Oklahoma City Storm, the Tulsa Hornets, and the Norman Northstars. These teams often produce talented players who go on to have successful college and professional careers. Oklahoma high schools have also produced some notable basketball players over the years, including Trae Young, Greydon Howell, and Caden Knighten.
The state tournament is a highly anticipated event, with teams vying for the prestigious state championship title. The tournament is organized by the OSSAA and features teams from across the state, with the winners of each division being crowned state champions. The state tournament is usually held in March, bringing an exciting end to the regular season.
Overall, Oklahoma high school basketball is a competitive and exciting scene, with many talented players and teams. The state's rich basketball history and passionate fan base contribute to the sport's popularity, making it a staple of the state's high school athletics landscape.
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Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder is an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City, playing in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Thunder is the only team in the major professional North American sports leagues based in the state of Oklahoma. The team plays its home games at the Paycom Center.
The Thunder was established in 1967 as the Seattle SuperSonics, an expansion team that joined the NBA for the 1967–68 season. The SuperSonics relocated from Seattle to Oklahoma City on July 3, 2008, after a settlement was reached between the ownership group and lawmakers in Seattle following a lawsuit. In their 41 seasons in Seattle, the SuperSonics won three Western Conference championships (1978, 1979, and 1996) and one NBA Championship in 1979.
Since relocating to Oklahoma City, the Thunder has continued to find success. They advanced to the Western Conference finals in the 2010–11, 2013–14, and 2015–16 seasons, and made it to the NBA Finals in the 2011–12 season. The Thunder has also had notable players such as Russell Westbrook, who played for the team for 11 seasons and became a franchise legend. In recent years, the Thunder has made moves to strengthen their roster, such as acquiring players like Hamidou Diallo, Dennis Schröder, and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot through trades and the NBA draft.
In the 2023–24 season, the Thunder added frontcourt depth by signing Isaiah Hartenstein, who is expected to make them an even more formidable threat in the Western Conference. They also signed players like Alex Caruso, Josh Giddey, and Wiggins, who will contribute to the team's success coming off the bench.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Oklahoma has never won the NCAA basketball tournament. They have, however, appeared in the Final Four five times.
No, Oklahoma has never won a national title in basketball.
Yes, Oklahoma has won the Big 8/Big 12 conference title 5 times. They have also won the Missouri Valley Conference and the Big Six title.
Yes, Oklahoma has won the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in 1981.
